$10.50 <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>22</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 6 NEWS TRACKERS: Karin Bos with her two detection dogs Nightshade (left) and Terry. Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz No more hedgehogs to hound wildlife on spit THE HEDGEHOG population has been snuffed out in parts of Kaitōrete spit using traps and conservation dogs. Pest Free Banks Peninsula wanted to prove hedgehogs could be removed from Kaitōrete, near Birdlings Flat along the southern edge of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. Hedgehogs are indiscriminate predators which are responsible for the decline of many native species. They kill ground dwelling and nesting birds, eating their eggs and young chicks. A three-step detection method – including an array of leghold traps, trail cameras and conservation dogs like three-and-a-half-year-old border terrier Nightshade (nicknamed Mobab) – were used to prove the area was free of hedgehogs. Mabob and Terry, a 20-monthold welsh springer spaniel trained to track down feral cats, live with Pest Free Banks Peninsula dog handler Karin Bos. “Nightshade showed no sign of hedgehogs within the containment zone of 45ha on any of the passes through the site. With nothing in the leghold lines either or showing up on TRAINED: Nightshade takes a break from tracking hedgehogs in Kaitorete. cameras, we are confident there are no remaining hedgehogs in this area,” Bos said. The area is home to many at risk species, including the banded dotterel, oystercatchers, katipō, as well as skinks and two species of flightless moth. But it is also populated with pests like hedgehogs, mustelids, possums and feral cats. An intensive trap network, with a mix of live capture traps and kill traps, were used to target the hedgehogs. Said Pest Free Banks Peninsula senior team lead Tim Sjoberg: “Dogs’ sense of smell is so sensitive that the possibility of the highly trained dog missing a hedgehog on multiple passes are remote.” Weasels, stoats, ferrets, possums and feral cats were also targeted. The traps were initially placed on the western end of Kaitōrete and are moved east as each area is cleared. A network of traps and an active fence system stop more pests from entering the area. “We’re using a mixture of traditional methods and new technology at this site,” Sjoberg said. City council regional parks biodiversity team leader Alison Evans said hedgehogs are often overlooked as pests. “They have detrimental impacts on native biodiversity in Aotearoa. They are indiscriminate predators and are responsible for population declines of many native species including lizards and invertebrates. They are also a problem for ground dwelling and nesting birds, like the pohowera/banded dotterel, by eating the eggs and young chicks,” Evans said. Bid to turn wastewater plant site into reserve • By Heidi Slade A BID IS BEING made to turn the site of a major wastewater project into a historic reserve. Suky Thompson, of the Robinsons <strong>Bay</strong> Ratepayers Association, said the community wants to turn the old sawmill site on Sawmill Rd into a full historic reserve owned by the community. The site is split across two properties containing various archaeological sites. The city council bought the site containing the mill, ponds and a tramway as part of the Akaroa Wastewater Project. The land on which the original mill owners’ cottage is located was gifted to the community. The association also wants to acquire the land that may not be used for the project. The resource consent will determine how much of the land is needed. Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Community Board chair Reuben Davidson said there is a lot of interest from the community about the site’s future. Robinsons <strong>Bay</strong> resident Kathleen Reid is also lobbying for how the land can be used. “The idea of a community garden appeals to me,’’ said Reid. “All of our food is trucked in, we need to pick up some of the ways of the past and be more resilient.” Garry Brittenden from Akaroa Area School has also expressed interest in a potential garden. He said it could be a way for students to be involved in the community while learning new skills. Reid presented to the community board this month and Thompson did so in December. Thompson presented a plan to the community board for a comprehensive historic reserve, owned by the community. She said it would have cultural and recreational benefits for Robinsons <strong>Bay</strong>. Reid said a community garden would have benefits for residents and the wider area. She said a food forest or perhaps an orchard could work around the associated archaeological site. “There’s room for both, I believe.” Said Davidson: “My hope is that the community board can work with all residents to create a space for the community and visitors to enjoy.” Native trees will be planted on the city council land, said acting head of three waters Brent Smith. The new treatment plant will remove nutrients and pathogens from the water, so there are no odour issues or other impacts, he said. 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Wednesday <strong>March</strong> <strong>22</strong> <strong>2023</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News 7
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